has passed a measure to lift the debt ceiling until may, avoiding another new showdown with president obama for a least a few months. the move would temporarily suspend the federal government's $16.4 trillion borrowing limit until may 18 without the dollar for dollar spending cuts that republicans have demanded. in a bid to pressure the senate, the legislation calls for withholding the salaries of lawmakers if one of the chambers of congress fails to pass a budget blueprint by mid april. the senate is expected to approve the measure this week. the u.s. appears to be escalating its drone war in yemen with yet another deadly attack. at least six people were killed in northern yemen on wednesday in the fifth u.s. strike in as many days. the drone reportedly hit a moving vehicle, burning the corpses beyond recognition. recent u.s. drone attacks in yemen have killed at least 20 people and sparked protests from residents claiming a loss of civilian life. a suicide bombing in northern iraq has killed least 35 people and wounded more than 75 others. the attack struck a shia mosque during a funeral